Can A Family Live in An Apartment?

The New York Times just published an article on “family friendly” housing. Thanks to a families with young children who are choosing to stay in the city, family-friendly housing has become a big issue in the Big Apple.

In most parts of the country, “family friendly” means a four-bedroom home with a yard and a family room, preferably on a cul-de-sac. In New York, however, “family-friendly” means a two bedroom, maybe three, and hopefully at least 1300 square feet. An in-unit washer and dryer officially seals an apartment’s “family-friendly” status.

What else makes an apartment attractive to those with kids? According to the New York Times:

• Other children in the building so that 3 a.m. wailing will be tolerated, if not necessarily appreciated.
• A friendly doorman who will give the kids a high-five.
• An elevator in the building, so kids don’t have to be carried and strollers don’t need to stay parked underneath the stairs.
• Shower curtains rather than a glass partition around the tub.
• A large second bedroom big enough to sleep two kids.
• A balcony or terrace with a high wall, or preferably, no balcony at all.
• A location within walking distance of parks, schools and play centers.
• An open kitchen so that the cook can watch the kids while cooking.
• A garage underneath the building.
• Oh, and did I already mention an in-unit washer and dryer?

While families have long accepted apartment life in New York, it’s a newer concept for many Bostonians more accustomed to a two-family, or even better, a single-family home in suburbia. And yet, Boston’s South End is in the middle of its own baby boom. And that’s despite the fact that families must struggle along without a yard and garage parking.

Meanwhile, Brookline, has long attracted families willing to live in smaller quarters in exchange for the opportunity to attend Brookline schools. In honor of all those families who opted for apartment life in New York, the South End, and Brookline, here are a few Brookline condos for less than $550K that could potentially satisfy the needs of people with kids… I can’t, however, promise an in-unit washer and dryer.

15 Park Vale, #2
Brookline
BEDS:3/BATHS:1
SQ.FT: 1290
$549K

50 Garrison Road, #1
Brookline
BEDS:3/BATHS:2
SQ.FT: 1492
$549K

17 Stearns Road, #3
Brookline
BEDS:2/BATHS:1
SQ.FT: 1250
$529K

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